Husthwaite Village

Hideaway & Beacon Alpacas : Caring for the Carers

Local businesses and charity support workers have worked together to organise a summer camping trip for Young Carers who need a well-deserved break from looking after their family members.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Young Carers, which is part of the Carers Centre registered charity based in Northallerton, is a support service for children and young people who have caring responsibilities for relatives in their home who are living with illnesses or disabilities. Their responsibilities often make it difficult for the children to enjoy normal childhood activities.

And local businesses were only too happy to support a fun two day break this week so that the Young Carers could enjoy barbeques, adventure playgrounds and camping, and even a mini trek through the countryside with alpacas.

Bluebird Care (Hambleton and Richmondshire), based in Thirsk, Morrisons supermarket and Olivia's bakery, both in Northallerton, provided supplies for the trip, whilst the Hideaway campsite and Beacon Alpacas, both based in Husthwaite, donated tent pitches - and of course the alpacas! And the young carers themselves raised £60 in a recent charity bag pack at Morrisons.

Said Andrea Hobbs Chief Executive of the H&R Carers' Centre:- "Young people who have caring roles in their families are some of the most resilient and amazing young people I have ever met. But they can really struggle emotionally and with making friends, as well as just being able to relax and have fun without worrying. We try to provide at least one overnight break each summer for some of our most vulnerable young carers, and this camping trip is just great - the support of our local businesses has made such a difference, and without their support this trip wouldn't be happening - I know the young people going will have a fantastic time."

If you know a child or young person who looks after members of their family and might need support, please contact the H&R Carers Centre on 01609 780872 or info@hrcarers.org.uk www.hrcarers.org.uk